A blue and white altar vase, fang zun, Wanli. Estimate £5,000 - 8,000 (€6,900 - 11,000). Photo: Bonhams.

Modelled after an ancient bronze form, each mid section facet applied with a beast mask handle, the foot with a moulded serpentine frieze, the body painted with ascending dragons and descending phoenix amongst trailing flower sprays, above rockwork and foaming waves, the neck reduced. 44cm (17.3/8in) high.

Note: For a further example of a blue and white fang zun, Wanli, see J. Harrison-Hall, Ming Ceramics In The British Museum, British Museum Press 2001, p.289, pl.11:31. Also a wucai version, p.340, pl.11:168.

Bonhams. ASIAN ART, 11 May 2015 10:30 BST - LONDON, KNIGHTSBRIDGE